ML Dormamu BAF: Iron Fist

The Immortal Iron Fist enters again! And might I add that while I see the connection, Iron Fist is not completely in Dr. Strange's lore. He is, but ... he is a different entity all on his own all things considered. BUT, I think Hasbro was deliberately putting a 'magical' kung fu character in the mix just to promote the beginning of another Netflix series. Well, enough of that. Let's take a look at this figure then.

As the 'odd' ball of the group, Iron Fist comes bearing his own logo on a Dr. Strange movie set. But he retains the theme overall.

Even his figure pose shows him as a loner. And the art on the side on is awesome! I love the artist they have been hiring for these things.

Unlike the previous Iron Fist we got last year, this particular one sports the traditional colors of the Immortal Weapon. Traditional, but adhering to his modern makeover post-Civil War one look. This one still played it safe and stayed close to his original outfit's idea; of course they took out the outdated flats and open chest shirt and gave him a more spandex/superhero look. The Dragon Symbol (there's a name for it, forgot what it was) on his chest is still a mystical tattoo, but it went over on the chest of his shirt. All the painting looks clean and sharp enough. There's not much detals to talk about; the wrapped hands has a little bit of paint variations, but other than that, not much to say in that area.

The mold is pretty generic and standard. Muscular, lean, and average height and sufficient for Danny Rand's comic book stature. No complaints here really but nothing new to report.

Don't expect this Iron Fist to provide us with a ton of accessories like before, but what we get is definitely something to appreciate. I remember the days when I was complaining about Hasbro's lack of effort in the special effects of characters; well now we are getting some in the form of fists, flames, magic, lightning, etc. The fire ball/chi energy that comes with the figure is pretty good. The energy fists that comes as Danny's alternate hands are a nice touch as well. Of course he comes with a piece of Dormamu.

Here's how he looks like with both variations of hands on.

As far as his articulation goes, he is pretty familiar. He can do a lot of things, and this mold (Think Pizza Spidey) offers a lot. I had fun getting him into some Iron Fist poses and can thoroughly say that he has been the most friendly to pose out of all the figures I reviewed so far. Though something I need to point out: this figure looks like he is on the long side on certain angles. His torso most definitely looks a little too long. But as I mentioned, he was pretty awesome to pose around.

Of course had to borrow the flame effect from the Iron Fist back in the Toybiz Days.

And had to use an import stand since I know we aren't going to be getting any of those any time soon from Hasbro.

And here he is squaring off with the last Iron Fist figure we got from the Odin BAF wave. Both are amazing figures and both are still out for display.

All in all, I didn't think Iron Fist would get this version of his costume in figure form since he received a new one quite recently. I would also think that the Netflix version would be different and they would spend more time promoting that, but alas, we got this and I'm happy it! Definitely one of the hitters of this wave! Iron Fist fans should be delighted to have this guy in their collection. 

Marvel Legends BAF: Thanos

Hellcat, Spider-Woman, Batroc, Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man

I'm going to be honest when I say that I was super excited for this wave. Now if you just look at the line up, it's not exactly the best but I do have to say that Spider-Woman in the mix and Thanos as the BAF isn't such a bad idea. I adore Spider-Woman and Thanos is one of my favorite villains from Marvel. I didn't do the hunting since I knew that there would be some complication finishing this set due to Spider-Woman being a female figure and she has a decent fan following. I just ordered the whole wave and lo and behold here it is. I've had this set since March but reviewing has been slow for a lot of reasons. But finally got the actual BAF his own review post so, how does he fare?

Right off the bat it's easy to tell that this is not the classic Thanos that everyone is familiar with. To be honest, there is a handful of people out there who only recognize Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet and during that time he wore the classic outfit. Suffice to say, this is a revamped and 'modern' look of his (in)famous look way back when he slaughtered the entire Marvel Universe with the Gauntlet. Truth to be told, I like the classic look but I also understand the need for this new one. It has a much more 'now' look and hey, every character has to upgrade their looks(sadly, Spider-Woman didn't have to). Sad to say, I haven't read an issue of him wearing this costume but from the images I have seen, Copiel I believe drew him wearing this so I liked how he was in drawing form. His figure form, great mold, new body mold might I add, nice sculpting, and for the most part, aesthetically, I don't think too corners were cut. Nicely done.

Size wise, he isn't gigantic. He falls on the same height as Odin to be honest and I don't have a problem with that. A lot of peoples' complaints with this Thanos is that he isn't as colossal as the Thanos Select(one that I have that is still in its box) and/or lacking the gauntlet and Death. Again, this costume doesn't have Thanos wearing the gauntlet for a reason.

I can't say the same thing about his range of movement as I have said about his looks. Thanos lacks in articulation BECAUSE of some of his designs. That shoulder pad blocks movements, the waist 'guard' definitely prevents leg movements, and not to mention, there isn't a whole lot of wide range movements for Thanos that is 'iconic'. His standard pose of holding his hand up with the gauntlet is as epic as Thanos can get and lacking the energy flash and all that.

Then of course there's this particular thing he can do just fine with certain figures. Sure does look great when he is holding up one of his prize win, doesn't it? That arrogant grin along with the perfectly aligned fingers, then the well built stability of his weight makes poses like this well worth it. Truth to be told, I'm sure there are other Marvel characters that would be canon to this pose, but hell... why not put my favorite Marvel Super Heroine in distress(or the prelude to her real distress)?

Of course a standard rivalry! Captain Marvel versus Thanos!

As much as I like Iron Man, he doesn't stand a chance against the Mad God Titan!

In conclusion, Thanos is a magnificent figure. I can't really say that he will be the best BAF of 2015 as much as I'd like him to be. He has flaws and I'm not sure his aesthetics are enough to relieve him of those mishaps. One thing I will say is that despite all those, I am still highly enamored with this BAF for his reasons alone AND he came from a set with Spider-Woman as one of his BAF holder! Barton was a great addition to our obscure Marvel characters as well as Hellcat. The AoU figures were good but I could've asked for others. All in all, I'd say I'd give him a B-! Though he is a great addition to my villains galore!